German cable TV distribution association DNMG is now offering network operators a package with FAST Channels.
The bouquet called TIVEE will be distributed on cable networks on a single DVB-C channel and provide access to a selection of FAST Channels from various categories via the HbbTV standard, reaching TV screens via the internet. With the initiative, DNMG wants to break down the barriers between cable TV and IP streaming, connecting both worlds.
At launch, 35 FAST Channels will be available to viewers, including, for example, Focus TV Reportage, auto motor sport Channel HD, Marco Polo TV, Bergblick Free, Deluxe Lounge HD, Just Cooking, Just Fishing, Xplore, Motor Racing, Kitchen Stories, GoldStar TV, More than Sports TV, Motorvision, Crimestar, Heimatkino, Netzkino, Rocket Beans TV and Sportdigital Fußball Free.
DNMG’s partner for TIVEE is FUNKE Digital. As a full-service provider, the wholly-owned subsidiary of German publishing house FUNKE Mediengruppe is responsible for the technical provision of the channel portfolio and, as a direct marketing partner, has first access to the available advertising spaces. The more than 200 DNMG network operators, serving a total of 5.9 million households, can offer their customers the FAST Channel package free of charge as a white label solution under their own brand.
“We are delighted to have such a renowned partner at our side in FUNKE Digital,” said Damian Lohmann, Head of TIVEE at DNMG. “FUNKE, as one of the largest publishing houses in Germany, brings its many years of FAST expertise, a curated and extensive channel portfolio and sheer endless marketing experience to this partnership.”
Claudia Schroeder, Director Video & TV at FUNKE, added: “The cooperation with DNMG and TIVEE is an exciting step into the future of TV entertainment for us. We are delighted to be part of this innovation and to be able to tap into completely new target groups for our customers in DVB-C which FAST has never had before.”
The foundation for the offering was laid by a pilot project launched by DNMG in March 2023 with FAST Channel and AVOD provider Video Solutions AG and cable operators wilhelm.tel and willy.tel, in which wedo movies was the first FAST Channel to be offered on a DVB-C cable network.